TPS Haiti Extension 2024: What You Need to Know

News Americas, New York, NY, Weds. July 24, 2024: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced an 18-month TPS Haiti extension 2024, effective from August 4, 2024, to February 3, 2026. This move will provide significant relief to Haitian nationals currently in the United States, ensuring they are protected from deportation and able to work legally during this period.

US Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas speaks to the media after meeting with Haitian community leaders at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Key Points of the TPS For Haiti 2024 Extension and Redesignation for Haiti

Extension for Existing Beneficiaries: Haitian nationals who currently hold TPS must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period from July 1, 2024, through August 30, 2024. This extension will allow them to retain their TPS status and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) through February 3, 2026, provided they continue to meet all eligibility requirements.

Redesignation for New Applicants: The redesignation also opens the door for new applicants who have been residing in the United States since June 3, 2024. These individuals must demonstrate continuous physical presence in the U.S. since August 4, 2024, and meet other eligibility criteria to qualify for TPS.

Registration and Re-registration Details

Re-registration: Current TPS beneficiaries must re-register during the 60-day window to ensure they maintain their status and avoid any gaps in their employment authorization. Delays in re-registration could lead to issues with work authorization.

If you are currently a TPS beneficiary under the Haiti designation and you have not yet re-registered for TPS under the most recent extension, you must submit  Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, by Aug. 30, 2024, to keep your TPS benefits. It is important to timely re-register during the re-registration period and not to wait until your EAD expires. Delaying re-registration could result in gaps in your employment authorization documentation.

Initial Registration: For new applicants, the initial registration period runs from July 1, 2024, to February 3, 2026. New applicants must submit Form I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status) and, if they wish to obtain an EAD, Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization).

Employment Authorization

TPS beneficiaries are eligible for an EAD, allowing them to work legally in the U.S. Employers are required to accept EADs as proof of identity and work authorization. For current EAD holders, DHS has automatically extended the validity of certain EADs through August 3, 2025. Beneficiaries can present these extended EADs to their employers to maintain work authorization without interruption.

Importance of TPS for Haiti

Haiti has faced ongoing challenges including political instability, gang violence, natural disasters, and severe economic conditions. These extraordinary and temporary conditions have made it unsafe for Haitian nationals to return to their country. The TPS extension and redesignation acknowledge these hardships and provide much-needed support to Haitians in the U.S.

The 18-month extension and redesignation of Haiti for TPS by DHS underscore the ongoing need to protect Haitian nationals from the severe conditions in their home country. This measure ensures that eligible Haitian nationals can remain in the U.S. safely and continue to contribute to their communities without fear of deportation.

For more information on how to apply for or re-register for TPS for Haiti 2024, visit the USCIS TPS webpage.